For the 2025 school year, there are 4 public schools serving 1,163 students in Essex County, VA (there are 2 private schools, serving 24 private students). 98% of all K-12 students in Essex County, VA are educated in public schools (compared to the VA state average of 89%).
The top ranked public schools in Essex County, VA are Essex High School, Tappahannock Elementary School and James H. Cary Intermediate. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Essex County, VA public schools have an average math proficiency score of 22% (versus the Virginia public school average of 54%), and reading proficiency score of 55% (versus the 70% statewide average). Schools in Essex County have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Virginia public schools.
Minority enrollment is 73% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Virginia public school average of 56% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Essex County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Essex High School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
833 High School Circle
Tappahannock, VA 22560
(804) 443-4301
Tappahannock, VA 22560
(804) 443-4301
Grades: 9-12
| 410 students
Rank: #22.
Tappahannock Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
205 Elementary School Circle
Tappahannock, VA 22560
(804) 443-5301
Tappahannock, VA 22560
(804) 443-5301
Grades: PK-4
| 422 students
Rank: #33.
James H. Cary Intermediate
(Math: 16% | Reading: 51%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
912 Intermediate School Circle
Tappahannock, VA 22560
(804) 443-3040
Tappahannock, VA 22560
(804) 443-3040
Grades: 5-8
| 331 students
Rank: n/an/a
Chesapeake Bay Governor's School
Magnet School
202 South Church Lane
Tappahannock, VA 22560
(804) 443-0267
Tappahannock, VA 22560
(804) 443-0267
Grades: n/a
| n/a students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Essex County, VA?
The top ranked public schools in Essex County, VA include Essex High School, Tappahannock Elementary School and James H. Cary Intermediate.
How many public schools are located in Essex County?
4 public schools are located in Essex County.
What percentage of students in Essex County go to public school?
98% of all K-12 students in Essex County are educated in public schools (compared to the VA state average of 89%).
What is the racial composition of students in Essex County?
Essex County public schools minority enrollment is 73% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Virginia public schools average of 56% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public schools in Essex County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Essex County include: James H. Cary Intermediate vs. Essex High School, Essex High School vs. James H. Cary Intermediate
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